Aging in Canada

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Canada's population is aging.

18% of the Canadian population were aged 65 and older in 2020. The is expected to grow to 24% by the end of the 2030s.

Chart showing Seniors as a percentage of total Canadian Population for the period from 2020 to 2038
Reference Link.

The number of people 85 and older continues to grow. Over 861,000 people aged 85 and older were counted in the 2021 Census, more than twice the number observed in the 2001 Census

Chart showing that the number of Canadians aged 85 and older continues to grow
Reference Link.

The labour force participation rate of older adults aged 65 and older has more than doubled from 6% in 2000 to 13.8% in 2020.

Chart showing seniors as a percentage of the Canadian labour force from 1976 to 2020
Reference Link.

The number of working-age Canadians (15-64) for each senior (65 and up) is falling. In 1966, there were 7.7 working-age Canadians for every senior—this ratio has fallen to 3.4 in 2022..

Chart showing Canadian ratio of working age population to seniors 65+
Reference Link.

In 2016, 93% of Canadian seniors were living in private households, while 7% were living in collective dwellings

Chart showing most Canadian Seniors (93%) still live at home
Reference Link.

For more information on Older Adults and Population Aging in Canada visit the Statistics Canada Subject web page.

Chart showing most Canadian Seniors (93%) still live at home
Reference Link.
NICE has created an online resource library for elder care in Canada, which consists of NICE Information Tools and curated links to external web pages, infographics and videos.

Topics

Caregiving

A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
NICE Information Tool
This guide (PDF) produced by the Canadian Government provides advice on how to prevent injuries by keeping your home, yourself and your environment as safe as you can.
This guide (PDF) produced by the Canadian Government provides advice on how to prevent injuries by keeping your home, yourself and your environment as safe as you can.
A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
This guide (PDF) produced by the Canadian Government provides advice on how to prevent injuries by keeping your home, yourself and your environment as safe as you can.
Aging at Home Safety Checklist
NICE Information Tool
The following room-by-room checklist can help you identify potential hazards in an older person’s home.
The following room-by-room checklist can help you identify potential hazards in an older person’s home.
Aging at Home Safety Checklist
The following room-by-room checklist can help you identify potential hazards in an older person’s home.
Aging in Place
NICE Information Tool
Aging in place means having the support and services to live safely and independently in your home and community for as long as you wish and are able.
Aging in place means having the support and services to live safely and independently in your home and community for as long as you wish and are able.
Aging in Place
Aging in place means having the support and services to live safely and independently in your home and community for as long as you wish and are able.
Are you ready to Age in Place Checklist?
NICE Information Tool
This checklist is a Canadian Government resource for older adults thinking about aging in place.
This checklist is a Canadian Government resource for older adults thinking about aging in place.
Are you ready to Age in Place Checklist?
This checklist is a Canadian Government resource for older adults thinking about aging in place.
Caregiver Self-Care Tool
NICE Information Tool
In addition to managing the challenges of caring for a person with a chronic disease such as dementia, caregivers need to attend to their health needs so as to prevent the onset of disease and increase overall quality of life.
In addition to managing the challenges of caring for a person with a chronic disease such as dementia, caregivers need to attend to their health needs so as to prevent the onset of disease and increase overall quality of life.
Caregiver Self-Care Tool
In addition to managing the challenges of caring for a person with a chronic disease such as dementia, caregivers need to attend to their health needs so as to prevent the onset of disease and increase overall quality of life.
Driving Cessation Information
NICE Information Tool
One of the most important concerns for cognitively impaired older adults is when to cease driving a vehicle due to a decline in driving skills that potentially place the person and others at risk.
One of the most important concerns for cognitively impaired older adults is when to cease driving a vehicle due to a decline in driving skills that potentially place the person and others at risk.
Driving Cessation Information
One of the most important concerns for cognitively impaired older adults is when to cease driving a vehicle due to a decline in driving skills that potentially place the person and others at risk.
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
NICE Information Tool
Studies have shown that regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, age, or gender all people benefit from implementing daily healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Studies have shown that regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, age, or gender all people benefit from implementing daily healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Studies have shown that regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, age, or gender all people benefit from implementing daily healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Housing Options for Older Adults
NICE Information Tool
Canada offers a variety of housing options for older adults, catering to different budgets, health needs, and personal preferences.
Canada offers a variety of housing options for older adults, catering to different budgets, health needs, and personal preferences.
Housing Options for Older Adults
Canada offers a variety of housing options for older adults, catering to different budgets, health needs, and personal preferences.
Long-term care homes in Canada infographic
NICE Information Tool
Long-term care homes in Canada: How many and who owns them? The infographic includes information on homes where health care is either entirely or partially funded by the provincial or territorial government.
Long-term care homes in Canada: How many and who owns them? The infographic includes information on homes where health care is either entirely or partially funded by the provincial or territorial government.
Long-term care homes in Canada infographic
Long-term care homes in Canada: How many and who owns them? The infographic includes information on homes where health care is either entirely or partially funded by the provincial or territorial government.
Smartphone Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
NICE Information Tool
Common sense smartphone tips for seniors and their caregivers.
Common sense smartphone tips for seniors and their caregivers.
Smartphone Tips for Seniors and Caregivers
Common sense smartphone tips for seniors and their caregivers.
When someone close to you is dying
NICE Information Tool
Helping someone through the last years of their life is one of the most difficult journeys anyone can take. As the illness progresses, you may have to make important decisions on behalf of someone close to you.
Helping someone through the last years of their life is one of the most difficult journeys anyone can take. As the illness progresses, you may have to make important decisions on behalf of someone close to you.
When someone close to you is dying
Helping someone through the last years of their life is one of the most difficult journeys anyone can take. As the illness progresses, you may have to make important decisions on behalf of someone close to you.

Finance

Average Canadian Retirement Age for Self-Employed, Public and Private Sector Workers (Chart)
NICE Information Tool
Statistics Canada chart showing average Canadian retirement age for self-employed, public and private sector workers.
Statistics Canada chart showing average Canadian retirement age for self-employed, public and private sector workers.
Average Canadian Retirement Age for Self-Employed, Public and Private Sector Workers (Chart)
Statistics Canada chart showing average Canadian retirement age for self-employed, public and private sector workers.
Canadian Benefits Finder
NICE Information Tool
The Canadian Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive.
The Canadian Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive.
Canadian Benefits Finder
The Canadian Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive.
Canadian Government Services for Seniors Guide (PDF)
NICE Information Tool
A guide to Government of Canada services for seniors and their families
A guide to Government of Canada services for seniors and their families
Canadian Government Services for Seniors Guide (PDF)
A guide to Government of Canada services for seniors and their families
Canadian taxes when you retire or turn 65
NICE Information Tool
Types of income you may receive when you retire or turn 65 years old. How to pay income tax or other additional tax. How to reduce the tax you owe. How your taxes are affected when living abroad
Types of income you may receive when you retire or turn 65 years old. How to pay income tax or other additional tax. How to reduce the tax you owe. How your taxes are affected when living abroad
Canadian taxes when you retire or turn 65
Types of income you may receive when you retire or turn 65 years old. How to pay income tax or other additional tax. How to reduce the tax you owe. How your taxes are affected when living abroad
End-of-Life Planning
NICE Information Tool
Grieving is challenging enough without the burden of making important decisions. Pre-planning spares your family from the emotional strain of figuring out what you would have wanted.
Grieving is challenging enough without the burden of making important decisions. Pre-planning spares your family from the emotional strain of figuring out what you would have wanted.
End-of-Life Planning
Grieving is challenging enough without the burden of making important decisions. Pre-planning spares your family from the emotional strain of figuring out what you would have wanted.
HELOCs and Reverse Mortgages
NICE Information Tool
How to use home equity in retirement is potentially as important a decision as what to do with your investment portfolio.
How to use home equity in retirement is potentially as important a decision as what to do with your investment portfolio.
HELOCs and Reverse Mortgages
How to use home equity in retirement is potentially as important a decision as what to do with your investment portfolio.
How Retirement is Changing for Canadians - Video
NICE Information Tool
19th Annual Survey of Canadians on their retirement planning shows less optimism than previous years.
19th Annual Survey of Canadians on their retirement planning shows less optimism than previous years.
How Retirement is Changing for Canadians - Video
19th Annual Survey of Canadians on their retirement planning shows less optimism than previous years.
Internet Scams Targeting Seniors
NICE Information Tool
Canadian seniors are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated internet scams.
Canadian seniors are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated internet scams.
Internet Scams Targeting Seniors
Canadian seniors are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated internet scams.
Older Adult Care Housing - Supply vs. Demand by Province
NICE Information Tool
Price and availability of Senior Care housing spaces by Province. The law of supply and demand has a significant impact on senior care services throughout Canada.
Price and availability of Senior Care housing spaces by Province. The law of supply and demand has a significant impact on senior care services throughout Canada.
Older Adult Care Housing - Supply vs. Demand by Province
Price and availability of Senior Care housing spaces by Province. The law of supply and demand has a significant impact on senior care services throughout Canada.
What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney and joint bank accounts
NICE Information Tool
It is important for older Canadians to know how a power of attorney or a joint bank account works before you use them. There are risks and advantages to both.
It is important for older Canadians to know how a power of attorney or a joint bank account works before you use them. There are risks and advantages to both.
What every older Canadian should know about: Powers of attorney and joint bank accounts
It is important for older Canadians to know how a power of attorney or a joint bank account works before you use them. There are risks and advantages to both.
Working Past Retirement
NICE Information Tool
Many older adults desire to work after the traditional retirement age and their reasons are not just financial.
Many older adults desire to work after the traditional retirement age and their reasons are not just financial.
Working Past Retirement
Many older adults desire to work after the traditional retirement age and their reasons are not just financial.

End-of-Life

Chronic Disease Management
NICE Information Tool
In North America and in most western European countries approximately 80% of adults over age 65 have a chronic disease and of these 30% have three or more chronic conditions.
In North America and in most western European countries approximately 80% of adults over age 65 have a chronic disease and of these 30% have three or more chronic conditions.
Chronic Disease Management
In North America and in most western European countries approximately 80% of adults over age 65 have a chronic disease and of these 30% have three or more chronic conditions.
Medical Assistance in Dying - MAID Canada
NICE Information Tool
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process that allows someone who is found eligible to be able to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life.
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process that allows someone who is found eligible to be able to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life.
Medical Assistance in Dying - MAID Canada
Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a process that allows someone who is found eligible to be able to receive assistance from a medical practitioner in ending their life.
Palliative Care
NICE Information Tool
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical caregiving approach aimed at optimizing quality of life and mitigating suffering among people with serious, complex, and often terminal illnesses.
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical caregiving approach aimed at optimizing quality of life and mitigating suffering among people with serious, complex, and often terminal illnesses.
Palliative Care
Palliative care is an interdisciplinary medical caregiving approach aimed at optimizing quality of life and mitigating suffering among people with serious, complex, and often terminal illnesses.
What to do when someone passes away
NICE Information Tool
When someone passes away, there are many tasks to complete. Notifications must be sent, funeral arrangements made, important documents obtained, taxes settled, and the deceased's affairs must be managed.
When someone passes away, there are many tasks to complete. Notifications must be sent, funeral arrangements made, important documents obtained, taxes settled, and the deceased's affairs must be managed.
What to do when someone passes away
When someone passes away, there are many tasks to complete. Notifications must be sent, funeral arrangements made, important documents obtained, taxes settled, and the deceased's affairs must be managed.

Mental Health

Alcohol Use and Older Adults in Canada
NICE Information Tool
Older adults who continue the same drinking pattern into their senior years may be unaware that they have less tolerance than when they were younger.
Older adults who continue the same drinking pattern into their senior years may be unaware that they have less tolerance than when they were younger.
Alcohol Use and Older Adults in Canada
Older adults who continue the same drinking pattern into their senior years may be unaware that they have less tolerance than when they were younger.
Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study
NICE Information Tool
The Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study uses data modeling to predict the country's future with dementia.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study uses data modeling to predict the country's future with dementia.
Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study
The Alzheimer Society of Canada's Landmark Study uses data modeling to predict the country's future with dementia.
Early or Young Onset Dementia: Advice for Caregivers
NICE Information Tool
What is early onset dementia and the importance of early detection.
What is early onset dementia and the importance of early detection.
Early or Young Onset Dementia: Advice for Caregivers
What is early onset dementia and the importance of early detection.
How we are doing on mental health in Canada infographic
NICE Information Tool
The state of mental health in Canada has gotten significantly worse since the pandemic.
The state of mental health in Canada has gotten significantly worse since the pandemic.
How we are doing on mental health in Canada infographic
The state of mental health in Canada has gotten significantly worse since the pandemic.
Managing Emotions - Anxiety and Depression
NICE Information Tool
Anxiety and Older Adults | Depression and Older Adults
Anxiety and Older Adults | Depression and Older Adults
Managing Emotions - Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and Older Adults | Depression and Older Adults
Older Adults and Happiness
NICE Information Tool
Hundreds of published papers suggest that we experience peak happiness in our youth and old age, with a dip in mid-life around 50.
Hundreds of published papers suggest that we experience peak happiness in our youth and old age, with a dip in mid-life around 50.
Older Adults and Happiness
Hundreds of published papers suggest that we experience peak happiness in our youth and old age, with a dip in mid-life around 50.
Older people are happier - Video
NICE Information Tool
Older people are happier than middle-aged people, and younger people. Study after study is coming to the same conclusion. Laura Carstensen (Stanford Alumni)
Older people are happier than middle-aged people, and younger people. Study after study is coming to the same conclusion. Laura Carstensen (Stanford Alumni)
Older people are happier - Video
Older people are happier than middle-aged people, and younger people. Study after study is coming to the same conclusion. Laura Carstensen (Stanford Alumni)
When Dementia is in the House: Advice for Parents
NICE Information Tool
Special Challenges for Parents who Are the Primary FTD Caregivers. When your spouse is diagnosed with a terminal, degenerative illness, you suffer relentless, devastating loss with no apparent resolution long before that person’s physical death.
Special Challenges for Parents who Are the Primary FTD Caregivers. When your spouse is diagnosed with a terminal, degenerative illness, you suffer relentless, devastating loss with no apparent resolution long before that person’s physical death.
When Dementia is in the House: Advice for Parents
Special Challenges for Parents who Are the Primary FTD Caregivers. When your spouse is diagnosed with a terminal, degenerative illness, you suffer relentless, devastating loss with no apparent resolution long before that person’s physical death.

Physical Health

Aged-Related Hearing Loss
NICE Information Tool
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older.
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older.
Aged-Related Hearing Loss
Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) occurs gradually for many of us as we grow older.
Canada’s food guide Healthy eating for seniors
NICE Information Tool
Healthy eating is a key part of aging well. It is a way for you to stay healthy and strong, which is important to maintain your independence and quality of life.
Healthy eating is a key part of aging well. It is a way for you to stay healthy and strong, which is important to maintain your independence and quality of life.
Canada’s food guide Healthy eating for seniors
Healthy eating is a key part of aging well. It is a way for you to stay healthy and strong, which is important to maintain your independence and quality of life.
Canadian Dental Care Plan for Seniors
NICE Information Tool
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will help ease financial barriers accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian seniors who do not have access to dental insurance.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will help ease financial barriers accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian seniors who do not have access to dental insurance.
Canadian Dental Care Plan for Seniors
The Canadian Dental Care Plan will help ease financial barriers accessing oral health care for eligible Canadian seniors who do not have access to dental insurance.
Canadian Diabetes Risk Online Questionnaire
NICE Information Tool
Are you at risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes? The Canadian Public Health Agency has designed a short online diabetes risk questionnaire to help you find out.
Are you at risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes? The Canadian Public Health Agency has designed a short online diabetes risk questionnaire to help you find out.
Canadian Diabetes Risk Online Questionnaire
Are you at risk of having pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes? The Canadian Public Health Agency has designed a short online diabetes risk questionnaire to help you find out.
Hypertension in Older Adults
NICE Information Tool
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults.
Hypertension in Older Adults
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major health problem that is common in older adults.
Infographic - Frailty Risk Factors, Signs and Outcomes
NICE Information Tool
One of the important things to recognize is that frailty is a result of aging, but not all elderly are or will be frail.
One of the important things to recognize is that frailty is a result of aging, but not all elderly are or will be frail.
Infographic - Frailty Risk Factors, Signs and Outcomes
One of the important things to recognize is that frailty is a result of aging, but not all elderly are or will be frail.
Interactive Arthritis Symptom Checker
NICE Information Tool
6 step interactive arthritis symptoms checker that works on desktop and smartphone. A simple tool to help you talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
6 step interactive arthritis symptoms checker that works on desktop and smartphone. A simple tool to help you talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
Interactive Arthritis Symptom Checker
6 step interactive arthritis symptoms checker that works on desktop and smartphone. A simple tool to help you talk to a healthcare provider about your symptoms.
Life Expectancy in Canada
NICE Information Tool
Life expectancy is a measure that estimates the average remaining years of life at birth or other specific ages.
Life expectancy is a measure that estimates the average remaining years of life at birth or other specific ages.
Life Expectancy in Canada
Life expectancy is a measure that estimates the average remaining years of life at birth or other specific ages.
Older Adults and Frailty in Canada
NICE Information Tool
When you are frail, your body lacks the ability to handle minor illnesses that would typically have minimal impact if you were healthy
When you are frail, your body lacks the ability to handle minor illnesses that would typically have minimal impact if you were healthy
Older Adults and Frailty in Canada
When you are frail, your body lacks the ability to handle minor illnesses that would typically have minimal impact if you were healthy
PDOA: Periodontal Disease and Older Adults
NICE Information Tool
What is periodontal disease?, symptoms, impacts, treatments and prevention
What is periodontal disease?, symptoms, impacts, treatments and prevention
PDOA: Periodontal Disease and Older Adults
What is periodontal disease?, symptoms, impacts, treatments and prevention
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
NICE Information Tool
Falls among older adults are a serious public health issue in Canada.
Falls among older adults are a serious public health issue in Canada.
Preventing Falls in Older Adults
Falls among older adults are a serious public health issue in Canada.
Seniors and Weight Loss Drugs: Benefits and Risks
NICE Information Tool
The weight-loss drug Wegovy is now available to patients in Canada.
The weight-loss drug Wegovy is now available to patients in Canada.
Seniors and Weight Loss Drugs: Benefits and Risks
The weight-loss drug Wegovy is now available to patients in Canada.
Snapshot of Diabetes in Canada, 2023 Infographic
NICE Information Tool
Canadian Government statistics on the occurence of different types of diabetes, complications and prevention.
Canadian Government statistics on the occurence of different types of diabetes, complications and prevention.
Snapshot of Diabetes in Canada, 2023 Infographic
Canadian Government statistics on the occurence of different types of diabetes, complications and prevention.
Video - How to measure your blood pressure at home
NICE Information Tool
How to accurately measure your blood pressure at home.
How to accurately measure your blood pressure at home.
Video - How to measure your blood pressure at home
How to accurately measure your blood pressure at home.
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